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Vision and Objectives • The City of Falcon Heights' goal is to create and maintain a good high quality of life in a community that is an aging, inner ring, fully developed suburb adjacent to St. Paul and within two miles of Minneapolis. The City does this by funding good public services and investing prudently in rebuilding and maintaining infrastructure. Historically, Falcon Heights has found it cost effective to contract cooperatively with other municipalities and with Ramsey County for many of its services. [Quote to be added] Maintaining the urban/rural character valued by our residents. Of all responses Falcon Heights residents made when asked what they value about living in the city, "open space" was by far the leader. Falcon Heights is uniquely advantaged among fully developed inner ring Twin Cities suburbs in that it includes a high proportion of open space, thanks to the University of Minnesota's extensive agricultural research land and golf course. Future redevelopment should honor this history by fmding creative ways to maintain the rural/urban character of the city while accommodating the expected growth in households and population. Maintainins our traditional neighborhoods in this central Metro location with ~portumhes for all our generations to stay in the City. Falcon Heights residents delight m their convenient location close to both central St. Paul and Minneapolis and their proximity to so much of what the Metro area has to offer. Residents prize their attractive, • well-maintained neighborhoods, each of which has a distinct identity. Residents have also expressed a hope that they can remain in Falcon Heights as they age and that the City can continue to be home to the young people who grow up here as they form households of their own. Becoming a healthier more livable community The open agricultural research fields in Falcon Heights contribute to the community's rural feel that residents have cited as one of its most prized qualities. This asset offers high motivation and potential for implementing a number of healthy community "best practices". On the other hand, two busy thoroughfares quarter the city: Snelling Avenue, a state highway, and Larpenteur Avenue, a Ramsey County highway. These roads constitute major obstacles to pedestrian and bicycle travel and offer a considerable challenge to the city in implementing some changes that could make the community a healthier place to live. Another challenge is lack of essential neighborhood retail businesses residents would walk to if they could. It has been years since Falcon Heights has had a grocery store or deli within its boundaries. Small businesses that provide necessities close to home -this is the only kind of business expansion residents said they would like to see in the community. Maintaining the ro erty tax base Falcon Heights' geographic boundaries include the east portion of the University of Minnesota's Twin Cities campus and the Minnesota State Fair. This unique land use composition creates an interesting community that is appreciated by residents and visitors alike. However, it results in 66% of the city's land area being both tax-exempt and statutorily out of the City's land use control. In addition, • Assembled Elements, Draft 1 FH Comp Plan 2007 Page 4 of 42